For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: Though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich. (2 Corinthians 8:9 CSB)

Have you ever stopped to ask what makes a great gift? This isn’t new or groundbreaking, but the quality of a gift is basically based on a couple things.

First, how much it costs the giver.

A great gift can cost the giver in a number of ways— money, time, or effort. If a gift is cheap, easy, or required little thought— it’s not a great gift. In fact, giving a gift that costs you nothing can actually be hurtful. Why? Because how much a gift costs you communicates to the recipient how much they’re worth to you.

Second, how much it fits the recipient.

A great gift takes into consideration the unique needs, desires, and personality of the recipient. A great gift for your brother is probably different than a great gift for your gramma, regardless of how much it costs you. Why? Because they are different people. They like different stuff and need different stuff.

Both of these things are obvious. But they help us understand the gift God gives us.

God’s gift to us cost Him everything, and gives us exactly what we need.

• Jesus was condemned so that we could be accepted.
• Jesus paid so that we could go free.
• Jesus was mocked so that we could be respected.
• Jesus went to the front lines so that we could be safe.
• Jesus was cast out so that we could be brought in.
• Jesus was forsaken so that we could be remembered.
• Jesus was beaten so that we could be healed.
• Jesus became sin so that we could become sinless.

Jesus became poor so that we could become rich. 

It’s one thing to do this for your kids or grandkids. It’s another thing to do it for your enemies. And that’s what Jesus did for us.

This Christmas, let’s give great gifts as we marvel at the amazing gift we’ve received.